What is FANBOYS?  First, it is an acronym, a word made up of the first letters of other words.  It's a good way to remember seven important coordinating conjunctions, or joining words.  They are called coordinating because they join equal word groups, called independent clauses.  The conjunctions that make up FANBOYS are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.  Each of these words has a different use.

            You need FANBOYS, usually plus a comma before them, to join sentences together correctly.  Using a comma, plus one of the FANBOYS, to join two sentences together will make your writing stronger, smoother, better.  Your sentences will flow well together.  Here are some example sentences, plus the meaning of each of these conjunctions as they are used in the sentences below.

1.      I went to Metrotown, for I needed to buy clothes.  for means because

2.      I drove to the bank, and I checked my account balance.  and means another, addition

3.      I could not spend a fortune, nor could I spend the whole day, but I would have fun!  nor means not, but shows contrast , subject and verb reverse after nor

4.      I could buy jeans and a coat, or I could buy several other things up to that amount.  or means a choice  You can have one thing or a different thing but not both.

5.      I had a really good time, yet it was soon dark.  yet shows contrast, like but

6.      I went to the parking lot, so I could drive home for dinner.  so gives result

More Information:

 Weekly  Feature Using Coordinating Conjunctions by Pat

Coordinating Conjunctions at English for Everyone

(pdf file)

 Daily Writing Tips: Coordinating Conjunctions